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GLBT Historical Society Museum: Unveiling Queer History

Explore the vibrant history of the LGBTQ community at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco's Castro District.

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Located in the heart of San Francisco's Castro District, the GLBT Historical Society Museum stands as the first stand-alone museum of LGBTQ history and culture in the United States. Since opening in 2011, it has showcased the vast queer past through dynamic exhibitions and programming.

A brief summary to GLBT Historical Society Museum

  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Wednesday of the month for free admission, courtesy of the Bob Ross Foundation.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions.
  • Consider becoming a member to support the museum's work and receive free admission.
  • Take public transportation, as parking in the Castro can be challenging.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The GLBT Historical Society Museum is accessible via public transportation. From any San Francisco-bound BART train, transfer to the Muni Metro at a downtown station (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, or Civic Center). Take lines K, L, M, or S to the Castro Station and walk one block south to 18th Street. Several Muni bus lines, including the 24-Divisadero, 33-Ashbury/18th Street, 35-Eureka, and 37-Corbett, also stop within a block and a half of the museum. A single ride on Muni costs $2.50, or $2.50 for a limited time BART transfer.

  • Walking

    The GLBT Historical Society Museum is located at 4127 18th St, in the Castro District. From the intersection of Castro and Market Streets, walk south on Castro Street to 18th Street, then turn left. The museum is located a half-block west of the intersection. This is a short and easy walk.

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Discover more about GLBT Historical Society Museum

The GLBT Historical Society Museum, often called San Francisco's "queer Smithsonian," is a pioneering institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting LGBTQ history. Located in the Castro District, a historic hub of LGBTQ activism and community, the museum offers a deep dive into the stories, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQ individuals and communities. The museum's exhibitions, including the long-term exhibition “Queer Past Becomes Present,” draw from the GLBT Historical Society's extensive archives, one of the largest collections of LGBTQ historical materials in the world. Visitors can explore a wide range of topics, from the early days of the gay rights movement to the AIDS crisis and the ongoing fight for equality. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific themes and individuals, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for repeat visitors. More than just a repository of artifacts, the GLBT Historical Society Museum serves as a vital center for education, research, and community engagement. Through its exhibitions, programs, and online resources, the museum fosters understanding, promotes social justice, and inspires action. It is a place where LGBTQ people and their allies can connect with their history, celebrate their identities, and work towards a more inclusive future.

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